There’s nothing more frustrating than waking up to find your dog has ripped up his crate bed…again.

Whether destructive behavior is caused by anxiety, teething or boredom, most crate pads simply aren’t designed to withstand a determined attack.

For this reason, bed manufacturers have started to produce chew proof pads. These have tough and durable exteriors, and may be a good choice if you’re tired of spending money on replacement mats.

It’s very difficult to find a truly “chew proof” or indestructible crate pad though. In fact, I’ve yet to see a pad that a determined chewer couldn’t rip. The best indestructible mats last much longer than regular alternatives, however, so you have more time to address the underlying reason for the destructive behavior.

To help you make the right choice for your pet, I’ve put together a list of the best indestructible dog crate pads for chewers and diggers. But before we get to the list, what makes a crate pad worthy of being called “indestructible?”

Important Features and How We Picked This List

Most crate beds are made with microfiber or cotton covers. These are plush and comfortable, but too weak for chewers.

Regular mats are made with microfiber or cotton exteriors. These are soft and comfortable, but most dogs can rip them apart without much effort.

In contrast, “chew proof” mats are made with stronger external materials, such as nylon or canvas. Many also have features such as hidden zips or waterproof covers to increase durability.

These beds are strong, but certainly not indestructible, unrippable or unchewable. For this reason, they often get poor ratings on shopping sites from owners of dogs that have destroyed them.

This misunderstanding is due to poor advertising. Many mats are listed as “chew proof” or “indestructible,” but “chew resistant” is a much more accurate term. They can withstand mild or moderate chewing, but won’t hold up to a determined dog with a strong jaw and sharp teeth.

That means it’s important to have realistic expectations. We’re not looking for a completely indestructible mat, but one that’s more resistant to digging and chewing than others. Here are features that can make a difference:

Strong Cover with Rip-Stop Fabric (Most Important Feature) – Cotton and microfiber covers just won’t cut it if your dog is a chewer. Look for ballistic nylon, denim or canvas for greater durability. Other features, such as a strengthening mesh or rip-stop fabric to prevent holes from quickly becoming larger, can help.

Reinforced Seams – Once a dog makes a hole in a seam, it’s easy for him to rip the entire bed to pieces. To prevent this, look for a bed with reinforced seams and high-quality construction.

Strength isn’t the only consideration though. The pad still needs to be comfortable, reasonably priced and the right size for your crate. It should also have a machine washable design. No-one wants a dog bed that can’t be washed!

Be aware that crate beds and pads aren’t as supportive as thick foam beds. If your dog has a joint condition, such as hip dysplasia or arthritis, an orthopedic bed is a better option.

Tip: If your dog is a heavy chewer, check out my page about chew-proof dog beds. Unlike crate mats, some of these beds are virtually indestructible.

Chew Proof Dog Crate Pads Are Not a Long-Term Solution

There’s a deeper issue if your dog regularly destroys his bed or crate pad. A chew proof design is a useful short-term solution, but it’s more important to solve the underlying reason for destructive behavior.

If your dog or puppy has a habit of escaping crates, check out our guide to solving this problem here. I’ve also written a guide to why dogs dig at their beds which you might find useful.

5 Best Chew Proof or Resistant Crate Mats

Listed below are five of the most durable pads and liners. None are indestructible, but they are more challenging to destroy than the average bed. Make sure you read each mini-review to find the right option for your pet.

1. K9 Ballistics Tough Crate Pad

My top pick for an indestructible dog crate is the K9 Ballistics Tough Pad. While it won’t withstand a determined Pit Bull or Boxer, it can handle light or moderate chewing and is much more durable than the average pad.

The K9 Ballistics has a rip-stop and chew-resistant ballistic cover. This is excellent for resisting scratching or digging, as the rip-stop material stops small holes from becoming larger. The cover is also waterproof, which is useful for incontinent dogs or puppies.

K9 Ballistics offers a 120 day warranty. You can request a single replacement if your dog damages the bed during this time. You can only ask for one replacement, however, which may not be much use if your dog has destroyed the first bed in quick time, but it provides extra peace of mind.

An interesting feature of the Tough Crate Pad is the sealed design. You can’t remove the 1.5″ polyfill interior stuffing, as there’s no Velcro or zipper enclosure. This means there are fewer weak spots or chewing targets. You can still machine wash the entire bed on a cold cycle, as the stuffing is suitable for washing (unlike foam beds).

You need to have realistic expectations of this bed though. Like all mats, it’s not going to hold up against a powerful dog that’s determined to destroy it. It’ll last longer – but that isn’t much consolation if your pet rips it after a few days rather than a few hours! It’s also one of the most expensive crate pads on the market.

Even so, if you’re looking for a tough and durable crate mat, there really aren’t many better options.

Why We Recommend It: The K9 Ballistics Tough Pad is a durable mat that can withstand mild or moderate chewing. The rip-stop material is also great for diggers. It won't last against heavy chewers though.

2. HuggleHounds TuffutLuxx Mat

A cheaper alternative to the K9 Ballistics is the TuffutLuxx mat. It’s another durable mat that’s designed with four layers to improve tear, abrasion and tensile strength, so it’s a good choice for mild or moderate chewers and diggers.

Considering the lower price, I think the TuffutLux provides excellent value. The cushion is soft and comfortable, while the strong exterior is a match for many dogs.

It’s also water resistant to protect the polyfill cushion. Don’t expect it to stop a full “accident” – this isn’t the right bed for incontinent dogs – but it helps keep the interior dry.

There are some drawbacks though.

Unlike the K9 Ballistics, you can remove the polyfill stuffing. While I’m sure some people like being able to wash the cover separately, the zipper is a weak spot on this crate bed. The exterior cover also creates a quiet crinkling sound when a dog moves on it. This usually isn’t a problem, but if you have a nervous dog or your pet sleeps in your bedroom, this might not be the best mat.

On the plus side, the bed is covered by a one-time replacement warranty if your dog damages it.

Why We Recommend It: The TuffutLuxx is a cheaper alternative to the K9 Ballistics, but still has a strong exterior and comfortable polyfill cushioning. It's not fully waterproof, however, and won't withstand heavy chewing.

3. K&H Pet Products K-9 Ruff n' Tuff Pad

K&H produces some excellent dog products, and the K-9 Ruff n’ Tuff pad is another example. It’s not 100% indestructible or chew proof – no pad is – but it’s a strong mat with a rip-stop exterior that’s particularly good for diggers.

A useful feature of this bed is the corner design. These fold to get a snug fit in any crate. It’s also machine washable and has a padded design for added comfort.

There are a few reasons it’s only #3 on this list though. While the padding isn’t too thin compared to other crate mats, you’ll probably want to add a blanket underneath. I also don’t think it’s as durable as the K9 Ballistics, as the seams are weak spots that heavy chewers can target.

This comparison isn’t completely fair though, as the K&H is much cheaper. If your dog is a light chewer, it’s an affordable option that’s worth considering.

Why We Recommend It: The K&H Ruff n' Tuff is a decent chew-resistant mat, but it's not as durable as the first two products (particularly the seams). It's an affordable choice for light chewers though.

4. goDog Bed Bubble Bolster with Chew Guard Technology

The goDog is another inexpensive pad that can withstand light chewing.

It’s built with the company’s “Chew Guard Technology.” This is effectively an internal mesh attached to the cover, which helps prevent tearing. It also has reinforced seams.

Don’t expect it to withstand heavy or even moderate chewing though. It just isn’t strong enough. For light chewing and digging, however, it’s stronger than a regular mat.

Other plus points include a machine washable design (cold cycle), bolsters for added comfort, and a 30-day one-time replacement guarantee. The goDog also has a non-skid bottom, which can make dogs feel more secure.

Should you buy it though?

If your dog is a light chewer or digger and likes to sleep on a bolster, the goDog could be a good option. It’s less durable than the other options on this list though, so don’t expect it to last long against a determined attack.

Note: Like most mats on this list, the goDog should be allowed to dry naturally. It’s not suitable for tumble drying.

Why We Recommend It: Considering the low price, the goDog Bed Bubble is an option to consider if you need a chew-resistant mat with bolsters. It's not as strong as the K9 Ballistics or HuggleHounds though.

5. Big Barker Crate Pad (For Diggers ONLY)

An upfront warning: the Big Barker Pad is NOT chew proof. So, why is it on this list?

Despite not being listed as chew proof or indestructible, the Big Barker is a durable pad with a tear-resistant cover. It’s not a great choice for chewers, but can withstand digging and nesting.

It’s also much more comfortable and supportive than the average crate mat. Instead of a thin layer of polyfill, the Big Barker has 4″ of orthopedic foam. The top 2″ is comfort foam, which molds around your dog’s joints and reduces pressure points, while the bottom 2″ is support foam to prevent sinking through to the floor.

Aside from comfort, the Big Barker is also great for dogs that suffer from joint pain. If your pet has hip dysplasia, arthritis or other joint issues, it’s probably the best crate bed on the market. Big Barker also has a reputation for producing high-quality foam beds, so it’s unlikely to flatten over time.

Other advantages include the machine washable cover, American manufacturer and heavy-duty zipper. It’s also waterproof, so accidents can be wiped down without staining the inner mattress.

The cover isn’t strong enough to withstand chewing though. The zipper could also be a target for chewers, which is why I’m a fan of the zipless K9 Ballistics pad.

Another drawback is the price. Big Barker products are excellent quality and made in the US – but you pay a premium for this. For diggers, it’s one of the best crate beds on the market though.

Why We Recommend It: The Big Barker is an expensive bed that isn't chew proof. It has a tear-resistant cover, however, which is great for preventing damage from digging. It's also built with 4 inches of orthopedic foam for outstanding support and comfort. If your pet tends to destroy beds with his feet rather than mouth, it's an option to consider.

Summary

Most crate mats aren’t designed to handle chewing or digging. They tend to have cotton or microfiber exteriors, exposed zippers and weak seams. If your dog is destructive, most mats are unlikely to last long.

While 100% indestructible or chew-proof crate beds don’t exist, there are a wide range durable options that can withstand mild or moderate chewing. Here’s a quick overview of my top picks:

For mild or moderate chewers, the K9 Ballistics Tough Pad is my #1 choice. It’s a tough mat with a ballistic nylon exterior and waterproof design.

For mild chewers on a budget, the HuggleHounds TuffutLuxx is a decent alternative. It’s not waterproof, but has a four-layer exterior for extra durability.

For diggers or dogs with joint pain, the Big Barker Crate Pad is an outstanding bed. It’s expensive and isn’t chew-proof, but the 4″ of orthopedic foam makes it far more supportive than almost any other pad.

You should also think about why your dog is destructive in his crate. Is he bored? Does he spend too much time locked away? Or does he suffer from separation anxiety? No bed can last forever against a determined or destructive dog, so solving the underlying problem is essential.

I hope this article has helped you choose the best chew proof crate pad for your pet. If you have any questions or comments, please use the comments form below.

Richard is a journalist who specialises in dog behavior. He's written hundreds of articles and books related to dogs, including for the Continental Kennel Club, Dog Fest (the UK's biggest dog festival) and various veterinary surgeries. When he's not spending time with Jess and Rudy (his beloved Labrador and Golden Retrievers), he enjoys reading, hiking and watching sports.

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